Southampton took a huge step towards safety as a 1-0 win at Swansea inched their Welsh rivals towards the Premier League trapdoor and relegated West Brom into the bargain.

After 72 minutes of frenetic action, substitute Manolo Gabbiadini, who had only been on the pitch for five minutes, provided the decisive moment when he reacted quickest to Charlie Austin’s parried shot in a crowded goalmouth.

West Brom needed a draw here to stay alive until the final game, but their brave bid under caretaker manager Darren Moore is over and the Baggies will spend next season in the Sky Bet Championship.

Tweet of the match

Star man – Charlie Austin

Charlie Austin (left) looked the man most likely for Southampton

Austin was the focal point of the Saints attack, and although he adopted a shoot-on-sight policy, was a threat throughout. He should have done better with a low shot in the first half, while a free header in the second was also straight at the goalkeeper.

Moment of the match

Manolo Gabbiadini was only on the pitch after Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy had wiped out Jan Bednarek – his own team-mate. The young defender went off and Mark Hughes threw on attacker Gabbiadini. The Italian was quickest to react when Charlie Austin’s acrobatic effort was pushed out by Lukasz Fabianski and converted via a slight deflection.

View from the bench

Mark Hughes was a happy man at the end of the game

Mark Hughes was ecstatic at the end of a hugely professional away display. Usually so calm and composed, the Welshman’s relief was palpable at the final whistle. By contrast, Carlos Carvalhal, who had earlier clashed with Wesley Hoedt, looked dejected as he applauded the Swansea fans.